Barry -- Not sure that I can be of any help relative to some others on this thread, but let me give it a try.
Our little group of 4 climbed Kilimanjaro last January and went on Safari afterwards -- it was a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. You have an amazing trip in front of you and I am incredibly jealous!!!!
We stayed at and had our climb managed by the Marangu Hotel. We were very satisfied. Their staff is incredibly friendly, their porters (long-term employees) are well treated, the accommodations were fine (though not luxurious), and the grounds are lovely. Many African birds live on-site and they have a bird expert on staff if you have questions.
You can see Kilimanjaro from the lawn and imagine yourself on top! The food is good, and trek safety is top priority. A staffer comes by and inspects all your gear before leaving to make sure you have what you need.
Their website answers a lot of questions:
www.maranguhotel.com
A few thoughts, in no particular order:
We took the longer route – 5 days to summit. We saw more of this incredible mountain, dramatically reduced the risk of altitude sickness, and increased our chances of making it to the top. We saw several very ill people on the way up -- none of us was so affected.
If I could do it over I’d come DOWN in two days vs. one. The summit climb was murder, given that we were processing 1/2 the usual oxygen, but going down was WORSE for me -- my knees were screaming all the way. Summit day was the physically hardest of my life -- you may be younger and have better knees though, so don't be dissuaded, just prepared. (This day was also very long -- we started for the summit at midnight and arrived back in camp late the next day. BUT! This punishing schedule put you on top to watch the sun rise over Africa -- unbelieveably beautiful.)
We asked the hotel for a guided walking tour of the area - we got a fabulous view into how the industrious Chagga people farm and live. One of the highlights of the trip.
My partner and I arrived several days early to get over jetlag. We were in much better shape that our traveling companions, who had to deal with the time change and altitude at the same time.
This was a very hard trip to pack for as it took us from sweltering jungle to rainforest to a freezing peak and back again. Not to mention a couple of days in Amsterdam in winter. Our porters did the hard work on the climb but we had to pack and unpack every night and schlep everything through airports, too. We had a LOT more than we needed, despite severe editing prior to the trip.
We needed a lot of shots, and some had to be taken well before the trip because they required boosters and/or a time-lag to take effect.
For the summit push, our guide urged us to dress as warmly as possible – Uhuru Peak temperatures can be well below zero. Trouble is, we ROASTED ALIVE inside all those clothes on the steep climb up. For a while I thought I'd faint. Next time I’ll wear coats, sweaters, and even long underwear with zippers so I can better regulate my temperature.
Those little chemical boot-warmer inserts were lifesavers – no cold feet, even at sub-zero temps.
We were stunned and amazed by the poverty in Africa – it was unimaginable in places. We were WEARING more on our persons than most Tanzanians make in a year and, while we were insulated from other people by our guides on the hike and on safari, we turned into fair game in the larger towns and at the base of the mountain after the hike. We didn’t feel threatened, exactly, but mobs of street peddlers trying to sell us trinkets refused to take “no” for an answer. It was very uncomfortable.
Colonialism is alive and well in Africa and it took some getting used to. The porters worked harder than I’ve ever seen anyone toil. They climbed the mountain with 65 lbs on their heads, often in sandals. The sweat ran off them at lower elevations, and some of them froze up high. It’s a tradition to give away some / all of your cold-weather gear after the trip – and we brought extra gear to distribute. Hiking boots are especially prized as they’re not made in this jungle country, even if anyone could afford them. My porter jumped as though stung when I came over to him with my boots in hand, he was so delighted. His old boots were so used up that the soles flapped open at the toes.
My DP learned several phrases in Swahili and was well rewarded for his effort – the guides, porters, and hotel staff really appreciated it and opened right up to him with smiles and help with pronounciation.
Most of the trinkets you buy in the local shops or on the street are cheaper in Kilimanjaro airport. Unless you see something really special, you can get cloth, beaded belts, wooden statues, etc. etc. at the end of the trip. (Or, for that matter, on Ebay.)
If you can swing it at ALL find a safari. I have a recommendation if you want it. Ngorongo crater was TEEMING with wildlife and a trip to a Maasai village was a real eyeopening experience. Not to be missed!'
One last comment -- waterless hand sanitizer. Lots of it.
Whew – back to work – feel free to ask if you have more specific questions! And -- have the time of your life!
Caroline
P.S. We flew into Kilimanjaro airport – Dar Es Saalam and terrorist bombers were long ago and far away.